The Darlington District Synod was hosted by the Durham Coast and Peterlee Circuit. The Agenda used the Priorities for the Methodist Church (as adopted by the 2004 Conference) as its framework. After singing “Happy Birthday” to the new Synod Secretary the formal proceedings began with Worship led by the Revd Ian Wales and “Time for God” workers Manuela Guderle of Germany and David DeBlock from the USA both working this year in the host Circuit.
The Revd Andrew Lunn led Bible Study encouraging the Synod to reflect on our priorities. We were then joined by the Churches Regional Commission and encouraged by Revd Ian Zass-Ogilvie to reflect on the priorities for the North East hearing arguments for and against the proposed Regional Assembly. Synod happily accepted the proposal, brought by The Revd Helen Jobling, to employ a District Mission Enabler from September 2005. In a lively presentation the Revd Les Hann (Rural life and Mission) encouraged everyone to read and use the Presence workbook pointing out it’s not just for village chapels! Many people had read the expression “Fresh Ways of being Church” and wondered what that was! The Revd Roger Walton (Director of the Wesley Study Centre) led Synod through a variety of practical examples, removing the jargon and giving people lots of ideas.
During the lunch break members had the opportunity to visit “Experience” offering alternative worship “stations”. Anyone hoping to “nod-off” in the afternoon session was soon woken by the Revd Rosemary Nash and friends with a Clowning Worship session. Anne Offler, taking up her new role as District Co-ordinator for Children and Young Peoples’ work, introduced some exciting plans for supporting workers across the District. Synod then heard some of the ways were churches were attempting to be People centred and Flexible. The Synod closed with an address from The Revd Graham Carter (Chair) outlining his Priorities for the coming year ~ a full transcript can be seen on the new District Web Site Can’t think of a better way to celebrate your birthday really! Can you?